![“[Building nerf blasters] became this outlet of creativity for me that hasn't been matched by anything else. The process [of] making a build complete to your desire is such a painstakingly difficult process, but I've had to learn from [the skills needed from] soldering to proper painting. There's so many different options for everything, if you think about it, it exists. The best part is [that] if it doesn't exist, you can build it yourself," Ishaan Parate said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/DSC_8149-900x604.jpg)
![“When I came into high school, I was ready to be a follower. But DECA was a game changer for me. It helped me overcome my fear of public speaking, and it's played such a major role in who I've become today. To be able to successfully lead a chapter of 150 students, an officer team and be one of the upperclassmen I once really admired is something I'm [really] proud of,” Anvitha Tummala ('21) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Screen-Shot-2021-07-25-at-9.50.05-AM-900x594.png)
![“I think getting up in the morning and having a sense of purpose [is exciting]. I think without a certain amount of drive, life is kind of obsolete and mundane, and I think having that every single day is what makes each day unique and kind of makes life exciting,” Neymika Jain (12) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Screen-Shot-2017-06-03-at-4.54.16-PM.png)
![“My slogan is ‘slow feet, don’t eat, and I’m hungry.’ You need to run fast to get where you are–you aren't going to get those championships if you aren't fast,” Angel Cervantes (12) said. “I want to do well in school on my tests and in track and win championships for my team. I live by that, [and] I can do that anywhere: in the classroom or on the field.”](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC5146-900x601.jpg)
![“[Volleyball has] taught me how to fall correctly, and another thing it taught is that you don’t have to be the best at something to be good at it. If you just hit the ball in a smart way, then it still scores points and you’re good at it. You could be a background player and still make a much bigger impact on the team than you would think,” Anya Gert (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AnnaGert_JinTuan_HoHPhotoEdited-600x900.jpeg)
![“I'm not nearly there yet, but [my confidence has] definitely been getting better since I was pretty shy and timid coming into Harker my freshman year. I know that there's a lot of people that are really confident in what they do, and I really admire them. Everyone's so driven and that has really pushed me to kind of try to find my own place in high school and be more confident,” Alyssa Huang (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AlyssaHuang_EmilyChen_HoHPhoto-900x749.jpeg)
Avni’s artwork: Giving back to the community
Courtesy of Avni Barman
Avni Barman (12) helps out a child with his art project. The projects are done with supplies like glue, washable markers, and paper.
Senior Avni Barman has devoted time every week for two years in senior centers, hospitals, and shelters to help people deal with stress through artwork.
Avni started her volunteering during the summer of her sophomore year and has continued to go to various centers several times a week. Some examples include the Family Emergency Shelter Coaltion (FESCO), Sunrise Village, and Regional Medical Center.
“I started an art program at the hospitals, and I then scaled that to homeless shelters to provide art for recovery of underprivileged children, kids with special needs, and patients recovering from surgery,” she said.
Due to the shaky financial situations of some of the patients, art is a relatively inexpensive but fulfilling method to alleviate some of their troubles and burdens. Many of the children she attends to live in households with financial or emotional problems.
“These people are in really stressful environments, and they don’t have the resources we have, so by letting them leverage their artistic side helps them find a distraction and improve their self-awareness,” Avni said.
Art therapy has been recognized as a medical practice since the mid-20th century. Today, it is used as an exercise for improving mental wellness for children suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder usually due to abusive households and a variety of other stimuli.
“Obviously, I don’t have a degree in art therapy, but I base it off of some individual research I conducted, as well as how it helps me as an individual,” Avni said. “The practice seems to have more effect on children than adults though.”
She also went on to describe the extent and process by which art may help in the recovery of patients.
“Art exploration distracts people from their condition, and provides them with an outlet for feelings while providing enjoyment,” she said. “Dabbling in art eases their mind, reduces stress of the hospital/homeless shelter experience, while nurturing their creative side, and giving them something positive to look forward to.”
Despite the amount of work she has done, Avni feels that she needs more members for her project.
“I’d be fine doing it all alone but I would love to have other high schoolers be involved in the project as well.”
For more information on the organization and opportunities to get involved, visit art4recovery.com.
Stanley Zhao (12) is the business manager of the Winged Post. He is a senior this year. Stanley is part of the math club and is currently conducting a...